As one of only two bridges across the Big Black River, Way's Bluff Bridge, a 200-foot long railroad trestle, was the target of several Union raids during the Civil War. During the Vicksburg Campaign, both Union Col. Amory Johnson and Gen. Nathan Kimball conducted raids to prevent Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army from crossing the river and moving from Mechanicsburg to Vicksburg or use the bridge as a means of supply.